Abstract:

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a refractometer
including: a housing having an immersion portion, the immersion portion
having an opening; a light source for emitting a light; a light sensor
for converting a received light into an electrical signal; a prism
including faces, including: a first face proximal to the light source and
the light sensor; a second face, at least a portion of the second face
configured for contacting a sample liquid through the opening, and for
forming an interface between the second face and the sample liquid; and a
third face, wherein the light travels by: being directed towards the
second face; being reflected at least in part by the interface towards
the third face; and being reflected at least in part by the third face
towards the light sensor. In an embodiment, the refractometer further
includes a control portion for receiving the electrical signal, and for
determining a refractive index of the sample liquid based at least in
part on the electrical signal. In an embodiment, the control portion
determines the refractive index in at least one of: a batch mode for
detecting the electrical signal once; and a sequential mode for detecting
the electrical signal at least twice. In an embodiment, the refractometer
further includes a substrate at least partially positioned within the
housing, the substrate supporting the light source and the light sensor.
In an embodiment, the refractometer further includes a display portion
connected to the control portion for displaying a representation of the
refractive index.

Claims:

1. A refractometer comprising:a housing having an immersion portion, said
immersion portion having an opening;a light source for emitting a light;a
light sensor for converting a received light into an electrical signal;a
prism comprising faces, including: a first face proximal to said light
source and said light sensor; a second face, at least a portion of said
second face configured for contacting a sample liquid through said
opening, and for forming an interface between said second face and said
sample liquid; and a third face,wherein said light travels by: being
directed towards said second face; being reflected at least in part by
said interface towards said third face; and being reflected at least in
part by said third face towards said light sensor.

2. The refractometer according to claim 1, wherein said immersion portion
comprises a corrosion resistance material.

4. The refractometer according to claim 1, wherein said immersion portion
comprises a surface substantially surrounding said opening, said surface
being substantially in a same plane as said second face.

5. The refractometer according to claim 1, wherein an angle between said
first and second faces is approximately between 25 to 45 degrees.

6. The refractometer according to claim 1, wherein an angle between said
first and third faces is approximately between 15 to 60 degrees.

7. The refractometer according to claim 1, wherein an angle between said
second and third faces is approximately between 95 to 120 degrees.

8. The refractometer according to claim 1 further comprising a control
portion for receiving said electrical signal, and for determining a
refractive index of said sample liquid based at least in part on said
electrical signal.

9. The refractometer according to claim 8, wherein said control portion
determines said refractive index in at least one of: a batch mode for
detecting said electrical signal once; and a sequential mode for
detecting said electrical signal at least twice.

10. The refractometer according to claim 1 further comprising a substrate
at least partially positioned within said housing, said substrate
supporting said light source and said light sensor.

11. The refractometer according to claim 8 further comprising a display
portion connected to said control portion for displaying a representation
of said refractive index.

[0002]Embodiments of the present application relate generally to a
refractometer. Particularly, certain embodiments relate to a
refractometer for measuring the content of solute in a liquid.

[0003]Referring to FIG. 8 (taken from Japanese Patent Gazette No.
2004-150923), a digital refractometer 200 is shown. The refractometer has
a prism 202, a light source 204, and a light-receiving sensor 206. The
light source 204 projects light to the interface between a sample liquid
S and the prism 202. Light is reflected from the interface at an angle
determined by the index of refraction of the sample liquid S. The
reflected light is received by the light-receiving sensor 206 and
converted to an electrical signal. From this signal, it may be possible
to determine the refractive index of the liquid. Since the refractive
index of a liquid is related to the content of the substance dissolving
in the liquid, refractometers can be used as a tool for measuring the
concentration of soluble substance in a liquid--e.g. as a saccharometer
for measuring sugar content. Such devices may be used to evaluate the
sugar content of grocery produce, for example.

[0004]The refractometer 200 is designed in such a way that the sample
liquid S is to be dripped on the prism 202 for measurement. However, the
refractometer 200 may not function effectively if it is immersed in the
sample liquid S. Furthermore, since the face 202a of the prism 202 that
touches the sample liquid S is deeper than the sample stable 208
surrounding the face 202a, the refractometer 200 may be unable to
function effectively when the prism 202 is brought in contact with a part
of a piece of grocery produce, such as the cross-section of an orange.

[0005]Thus, there is a need for a refractometer capable of measuring a
refractive index of a liquid when immersed at least partially in the
liquid. Further, there is a need for a refractometer to operate by
touching or bringing it into contact with a liquid bearing item, such as
grocery produce.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006]Certain embodiments of the present invention provides a
refractometer including: a housing having an immersion portion, the
immersion portion having an opening; a light source for emitting a light;
a light sensor for converting a received light into an electrical signal;
a prism including faces, including: a first face proximal to the light
source and the light sensor; a second face, at least a portion of the
second face configured for contacting a sample liquid through the
opening, and for forming an interface between the second face and the
sample liquid; and a third face, wherein the light travels by: being
directed towards the second face; being reflected at least in part by the
interface towards the third face; and being reflected at least in part by
the third face towards the light sensor. In an embodiment, the immersion
portion includes a corrosion resistance material. In an embodiment, the
corrosion resistance material includes stainless steel. In an embodiment,
the immersion portion includes a surface substantially surrounding the
opening, the surface being substantially in a same plane as the second
face. In an embodiment, the first and second faces is approximately
between 25 to 45 degrees. In an embodiment, an angle between the first
and third faces is approximately between 15 to 60 degrees. In an
embodiment, an angle between the second and third faces is approximately
between 95 to 120 degrees. In an embodiment, the refractometer further
includes a control portion for receiving the electrical signal, and for
determining a refractive index of the sample liquid based at least in
part on the electrical signal. In an embodiment, the control portion
determines the refractive index in at least one of: a batch mode for
detecting the electrical signal once; and a sequential mode for detecting
the electrical signal at least twice. In an embodiment, the refractometer
further includes a substrate at least partially positioned within the
housing, the substrate supporting the light source and the light sensor.
In an embodiment, the refractometer further includes a display portion
connected to the control portion for displaying a representation of the
refractive index.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a refractometer, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.

[0008]FIG. 2 shows a side view of a refractometer, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.

[0009]FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of a refractometer, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.

[0010]FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of an immersion portion of a
refractometer, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011]FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of a refractometer, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.

[0012]FIG. 6 shows a refractometer immersed in a sample liquid, according
to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013]FIG. 7 shows a refractometer in contact with a cross-section of a
piece of fruit, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014]FIG. 8 shows a prior art refractometer.

[0015]The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description
of certain embodiments of the present application, will be better
understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the
purpose of illustrating the invention, certain embodiments are shown in
the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the present
invention is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in
the attached drawings. Further, some figures may be representations of
the type of display and/or output associated with methods and systems of
the present invention, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a refractometer 10, according to
an embodiment of the present invention. The refractometer 10 may have an
elongated shape, generally. For example, the height of the refractometer
10 measured along y direction may become larger from a first end 10a (H1)
to a second end 10b (H2).

[0017]FIG. 2 shows a side view of a refractometer, according to an
embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the width of the
refractometer 10 measured along x direction may be substantially
constant. Hereinafter, the length direction of the refractometer is
referred to as the z direction, height as y direction, and width as x
direction. In an embodiment, the length L1 of the refractometer is
approximately 80-120 mm. In an embodiment, the height H1 of the first end
of the refractometer 10a is approximately 7-18 mm. In an embodiment, the
height H2 of the second end of the refractometer 10b is approximately
7-40 mm. In an embodiment, the width W of the refractometer is 5˜20
mm. In such a way, the refractometer 10 may be held in hand like a pen.

[0018]Referring again to FIG. 1, the housing 12 of the refractometer 10
comprises a main body 14 and an immersion portion 16 which may be
immersed in a sample liquid. The immersion portion 16 may be disposed on
the side of the first end of the refractometer 10a. The immersion portion
16 may have an elongated shape. In an embodiment, the length L2 of the
immersion portion 16 along the z direction is preferably approximately
5-150 mm. The front end of the immersion portion 16 may have an opening
18 for accommodating a prism 20 for touching the sample liquid. The
immersion portion 16 may comprise a drug-resistance material such as PBT
resin (polybutylene terephthalate) and ABS resin
(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), or a corrosion resistance material
such as stainless steel, or aluminum or zinc castings coated with Ni,
NiCr, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or the like. In an embodiment, the
immersion portion 16 is made of an austenitic stainless steel such as
SUS316. With such a material, the immersion portion 16 may be immersed in
a corrosive liquid, such as citrus juice (e.g., lemon or orange),
vinegar, saline solution, soybean sauce, oil or the like.

[0019]The refractometer 10 may have, on the main body 14, operation
portions 22a and 22b, which may initiate the refractometer 10 to measure
the sample liquid and to reset the refractometer 10. The refractometer
may further have a display portion 24 for displaying a representation of
the measured refractive index. A display portion 24 may comprise a liquid
crystal display or the like. The main body 14 may comprise a
thermoplastic resin, such as ABS resin. Consequently, the refractometer
10 may not sink when immersed into a container such as a cup (as shown in
FIG. 6), if the center of gravity of the refractometer is located in the
immersion portion 16 made of stainless steel, for example.

[0020]FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of a refractometer, according to an
embodiment of the present invention. The refractometer may have a first
substrate 26 extending on the zx plane. The first substrate 26 may be
positioned at least in part within the immersion portion 16. The first
substrate 26 may be disposed on the side of the first end portion 10a of
the refractometer 10, e.g., on the side of the front end of the immersion
portion 16. The first substrate 26 may support a light source 28 and a
light sensor 30. The first substrate 26 may also support a prism 20.

[0021]FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of an immersion portion of a
refractometer, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The
light source 28 and the light sensor 30 may be affixed on the same
surface 26a of the first substrate 26. For example, the light source 28
and the light sensor 30 may be spaced along the z direction, where the
light source 28 is closer to the front end of the immersion portion 16
(see., e.g., FIG. 3).

[0022]The light source 28 is may be a light emitting diode (LED). For
example, a surface-mounted LED assembly having dimensions of 1.6 mm
(length)×0.8 mm (width)×0.45 mm (height) may be used as the
light source 28. The light sensor 30 may be a one-dimension image sensor,
such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide
semiconductor (CMOS). For example, a CCD linear image sensor having a
dimension of 1.0 mm (length)×8.8 mm (width)×0.645 mm (height)
may be used as the light sensor 30.

[0023]A first face 20a of the prism 20 may be configured proximal to the
light emitting surface 28a of the light source 28 and the light-receiving
surface 30a of the light sensor 30. The prism 20 may be spaced from the
surface 26a of the first substrate 26 by approximately 1.0-1.5 mm, for
example. By positioning the light source 28 and the light sensor 30 on
the surface 26a of the substrate 26 and facing to the first face 20a of
the prism 20, the surrounding space of the prism 20 may be reduced. In
such a configuration, the immersion portion 16 may be reduced, thus
allowing for a compact refractometer 10.

[0024]Referring again to FIG. 3, the second face 20b of the prism 20 may
be positioned towards the opening 18 disposed on the wall 32 of the front
end 16a of the immersion portion 16. The prism 20 may be coupled to the
opening 18 through the surrounding portion of the second face 20b. The
second face 20b may be exposed through the opening 18, and configured to
come in contact with the sample liquid to an interface between the second
face 20b and the sample liquid. The second face 20b may be substantially
in the same plane as the outer surface 32a of the wall 32 surrounding the
opening 18. In such a configuration, the second face 20b may be brought
in contact with the cross-section of a fruit for measurement, for
example.

[0025]Referring to FIG. 4 again, the third face 20c of the prism 20 may
reflect light emitted from the light source 28 and further reflected by
the interface between the prism 20 and the sample liquid S. The light
reflected by the third face 20c may be directed onto the light-receiving
surface 30a of the light sensor 30. For example, the light source 28 may
emit a light La incident to the second face 20b. The interface formed by
the second face 20b and the sample liquid has an index of refraction.
According to the index of refraction of the sample liquid S and the prism
20, the light La is separated into a refracted light beam and a reflected
light beam Lb. The reflected light beam Lb is incident to the third face
20c. The third face 20c reflects the reflected light beam Lb from the
second face 20b to the light-receiving surface 30a of the light sensor
30. Again, the light source 28 and light sensor 30 may be disposed on the
same substrate, and/or may be positioned proximal to the first face 20a.
The third face 20c may function as a reflector, in place of a separate
device, such as light guide, mirror and lens, for example.

[0026]The angles α, β and γ among the three faces 20a,
20b and 20c may be selected with consideration of various factors. For
example, the angles may be selected based on: the refractive index of the
prism 20; a desired measuring range of refractive index; and/or the
reflection of the light from the second face 20b by the third face 20c.
Furthermore, the dimensions of the faces 20a, 20b and 20c may be
determined by various factors, including the dimension of the light
sensor 30, and/or the preferred resolution.

[0027]The refractive index of the prism 20 may be selected based on the
estimated characteristics of the sample liquid. For example, the
refractive index of the prism 20 may be approximately 1.4-2.4. When, for
example, the refractive index of the prism 20 is 1.6 and the measuring
range is approximately 1.33-1.55, the angles may be selected as follows:
angle α may be approximately 25-45 degrees; angle β gamma may
be approximately 95-120 degrees; and angle γ may be approximately
15-60 degrees.

[0028]A temperature sensor 34 may be configured on the face 26a of the
first substrate 26 between the light source 28 and the light sensor 30.
The temperature sensor 34 may comprises a platinum film temperature
sensor, for example. Such a platinum film temperature sensor may have
dimensions of 1.6 mm (length)×0.8 mm (width)×0.45 mm
(height).

[0029]Furthermore, a recess 36 may be provided on the first face 20a of
the prism 20 facing the temperature sensor 34. A heat conductive portion
38 may be arranged in the recess 36 for thermally coupling the
temperature sensor 34 and the prism 20. The heat conductive portion 38 is
may comprise heat conductive rubber, for example.

[0030]Referring to FIG. 3 again, an optical chassis 40 may be provided on
the surface 26a of the first substrate 26 to support the prism 20. The
chassis 40 may also shield the light source 28, the light sensor 30
and/or the prism 20 from scattered light. The optical chassis 40 may
comprise a thermoplastic resin such as polycarbonate (PC),
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin, polyphenylene ether (PPE)
resin or the like.

[0031]A second substrate 42 may be coupled to the first substrate 26 at
the end of the base 16b of the immersion portion. Operation portions 22a
and 22b, a display portion 24 and a control portion 46 may be supported
on the second substrate 42. The second substrate 42 may extend along the
yz plane within the main body 14, and may substantially form a right
angle with the first substrate 26 extending along the zx plane. For
example, a side face 44a of an extension portion 44 of the second
substrate 42 extending within the immersion portion 16 and the surface
26a of the first substrate 26 may form a T-shape arrangement, and may be
connected by soldering, such as soft soldering. In such a way, electrical
conduction between the first substrate 26 and the second substrate 42 may
be wireless.

[0032]FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of a refractometer, according to an
embodiment of the present invention. The control portion 46 may include
an amplifier circuit 48 connected with the light sensor 30, a
resistance/voltage conversion circuit 50 connected with the temperature
sensor 34, an A/D conversion circuit 52 connected with the
resistance/voltage conversion circuit 50, a CPU circuit (e.g.,
calculator) 54 connected with the amplifier circuit 48 and the A/D
conversion circuit 52, and a power-supply circuit 56 connected with the
CPU circuit 54, for example. The power-supply circuit 56 may supply power
to the CPU circuit 54 and other circuits, such as the light source 28 and
the display portion 24, for example.

[0034]The CPU circuit 54 may have a memory (not shown) which stores a
program for converting the electrical signal S3 output by the amplifier
circuit 48 into a concentration value and a program for converting the
digital signal S2 output from A/D conversion circuit 52 into a
temperature compensation value.

[0035]Furthermore, the CPU circuit 54 may have a memory (not shown) which
is connected to a START button 22a and a ZERO button 22b of the operation
portion, and which stores a program which runs when the ZERO button 22b
is activated for correction, for example. The CPU circuit 54 may have a
further memory (not shown) which stores program for selectively executing
any one of a batch detecting mode in which only one detection is made
when the START button 22a is pressed and a sequential detecting mode (for
example, one detection per 5 seconds and 60 detections in total) in which
sequential multiple detections are made when the START button 22a is
pressed. The detecting mode may be switched by, for example, pressing the
START button 22a and the ZERO button 22b at the same time.

[0036]Referring to FIG. 3 again, the main body 14 of the housing 12 and
the immersion portion 16 may be engaged into the first end 14a of the
main body 14 through the base 16b of the immersion portion 16 and then
jointed together. The main body 14 may further connect to the immersion
portion 16 by screws 58a and 58b or the like. O-shape rings 59a and 59b
may be configured at the joint portion of the main body 14 and the
immersion portion 16.

[0037]The housing 12 may have a cap 60 engaged with the second end 14b of
the main body 14. Similar to the main body 14, the cap 60 may comprise a
thermoplastic resin, such as ABS resin. An O-shape ring 61 may be
provided at the joint portion of the main body 14 and the cap 60.

[0038]A battery storage portion 62 may be provided at the second end 10b
of the refractometer 10 for storing a battery. The battery storage
portion 62 comprises a battery chamber 66 with a partition 64 rested on
the second substrate 42, and a first contact 68 and a second contact 70
configured in the battery chamber 66 and electrically connected to the
power-supply circuit 56 (as shown in FIG. 5). The battery chamber 66 may
have an opening 72 disposed on the cap 60 for loading/unloading battery.

[0039]The battery storage portion 62 further may have a battery cover 74
for opening/closing the opening 72. The battery cover 74 may be rotatably
or slidably mounted on the cap 60 through a pin 76, for example. The
battery cover 74 may have a protrusion 78 engaged with the opening 72. An
annular groove 80 may be provided on the peripheral of the protrusion 78,
and a gasket (not shown) may be disposed in the annular groove 80. The
battery cover 74 may be made of elastic material such as a thermoplastic
elastomer, PP resin (polypropylene) or the like. The gasket may be made
of ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM).

[0040]As an illustration, the refractometer 10 may operate in the
following manner. When the prism 20 is brought in contact with the sample
liquid and the START button 22a is pressed, the light source 28 may begin
emitting light. The light incident to the prism 20 emitted from the light
source 28 is separated into a refracted light beam and a reflected light
beam on the interface between the sample liquid and the prism 20
according the critical angle of total reflection defined by the relative
refractive index of the sample liquid and the prism 20. The reflected
light beam is reflected by the third face 20c of the prism 20, thus
imaging on the light sensor 30 and converted into an electrical signal S1
by the light sensor 30. The electrical signal is then amplified by the
amplifier circuit 48 and sent to the CPU circuit 54.

[0041]The temperature sensor 34 detects the temperature of the prism 20
and outputs a resistance value R corresponding to the temperature value.
The resistance value R is converted by the resistance/voltage conversion
circuit 50 into a voltage value V, and is further converted by the A/D
conversion circuit 52 into a digital signal S2 which is sent to the CPU
circuit 54.

[0042]In the CPU circuit 54, a refractive index is determined according to
the electrical signal S3 output by the amplifier circuit 48. The
refractive index is then compensated with the digital signal S2 output by
the A/D conversion circuit 52, so as to produce a value of concentration
such as sugar content which is displayed on the display portion 24.

[0043]As an illustration, the refractometer 10 may be manufactured as
follows. A recess 36 is formed on the prism 20, and the three faces 20a,
20b and 20c are ground. Wiring is formed on the first and second
substrates 26 and 42. The CPU circuit 54 and other circuits, the START
button 22a and the ZERO button 22b, and the display portion 24 and the
like are disposed on the second substrate 42.

[0044]The light source 28, the light sensor 30 and the temperature sensor
34 are fixed on the face 26a of the first substrate 26, as shown in FIG.
4. Next, after the heat conductive portion 38 is configured in the recess
36 of the prism 20, the optical chassis 40 for supporting the prism 20 is
fixed onto the first substrate 26 through a connection portion such as
screws. As a result, the first face 20a of the prism 20 is configured
facing the light-emitting surface 28a of the light source 28 and the
light-receiving surface 30a of the light-receiving sensor 30.

[0045]The side face 44a of the extension portion 44 of the second
substrate 42 is rested against the surface 26a of the first substrate 26.
The second substrate 42 is connected to the optical chassis 40 through a
connection portion such as screws, and is joined to the first substrate
26 by soft soldering. In such a way, wiring of the first substrate 26 and
the second substrate 42 is connected, and the light source 28, the
light-receiving sensor 30 and the temperature sensor 34 on the first
substrate 26 are connected to the CPU circuit 54 and other circuits on
the second substrate 42.

[0046]The main body 14 and the cap 60 are formed through injection molding
with a thermoplastic resin such as ABS resin. The immersion portion 16 is
molded with stainless steel through metal molding method or the like. The
battery cover 74 of the battery storage portion 62, molded by a
thermoplastic elastomer, is mounted on the cap 60.

[0047]The base 16a of the immersion portion 16 is engaged into the first
end 14a of the main body 14. Then the tool is inserted from the side of
second end 14b of the main body 14, the main portion 14 and the immersion
portion 16 are engaged each other through screws 58a and 58b.

[0048]The joined first and second substrates 26 and 42 are inserted into
the cavity of the joined main body 14 and the immersion portion 16,
allowing the second face 20b of the prism 20 exposed through the opening
18 of the immersion portion 16. Then the prism 20 is positioned so that
the second face 20b is in the same plane as the surface 32a surrounding
the opening 18. The peripheral of the second face 20b is fixed to the
opening 18 by adhesive. The cap 60 is engaged with the second end 14b of
the main body 14, to complete the refractometer 10.

[0049]According to the above refractometer 10, by providing an immersion
portion 16 on one end of the refractometer 10 and disposing the prism 20
in the opening 18 of the immersion portion 16, the immersion portion 16
of the refractometer 10 may be immersed in a liquid for measurement (as
shown in FIG. 6), instead of dripping the sample liquid onto the prism.

[0050]By disposing the face 20b of the prism 20 in the same plane as the
surface 32a surrounding the prism 20, the face 20b of the prism 20 may be
brought in contact with the cross-section of a fruit for measurement (as
shown in FIG. 7). In such a way, the sugar content in a fruit or the like
may be determined without need to squeeze juice. In addition, any sample
liquid remained on the face 20b of the prism 20 and the surrounding
surface 32a may be easily wiped off.

[0051]By disposing the light source 28 and the light sensor 30 on the same
substrate 26, the light source 28 and the light sensor 30 may be
positioned effectively. In addition, by directly jointing the first
substrate 26 and the second substrate 42, the wiring of the substrates
26, 42 can be connected without electrical wires. Thus, the refractometer
10 can be manufactured more efficiently.

[0052]By disposing the light source 28 and the light sensor 30 on the same
substrate 26, the position of the light source 28 and the light sensor 30
may be determined more precisely and may not need adjustment once
assembled. As a result, the refractometer 10 can be more compact by
eliminating space for adjusting position.

[0053]Having a substantial water-proof structure, the refractometer 10 may
be cleaned as a whole. In addition, the refractometer 10 may be disposed
in tubing for online measuring. When online measuring is executed, the
sequential detecting mode may be selected to make multiple sequential
detections.

[0054]Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide for a
refractometer capable of measuring a refractive index of a liquid when
immersed at least partially in the liquid. Further, embodiments of the
present invention provide for a refractometer to operate by touching or
bringing it into contact with a liquid bearing item, such as grocery
produce.

[0055]While the invention has been described with reference to certain
embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that
various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without
departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many
modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to
the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. For
example, features may be implemented with software, hardware, or a mix
thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to
the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include
all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.